Product key not valid ?

Rumrunner 24

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I am getting this message "The product key you ave entered doesn't appear to be valid" This is really starting to annoy the *(%# out of me. I have a legit copy of Windows 7 Professional.
I just got a new hard drive (old one failed) I've entered the wrong key by accident before and I get a different message than the one I'm getting now, It won't let you continue to add characters if you don't put the right stuff in.So that leads me to believe that my key is correct and maybe it won't accept it because I've used it before.
Was I suppose to deactivate it before I did a reinstall ? Obviously, I couldn't do that anyway but I can't think of why it wouldn't work.Unless I can only use it a certain amount of times.
This is the third or fourth reinstall with this key. When I finish the initial install I put it in and it worked fine but now it's asking for it again. Why ?
Don't bother with the "We don't support piracy" stuff. This is a 100% legit payed for product key. I still have both 32 and 64bit dvd's if you guys want me to upload a picture That's fine.
 
Solution
you can also get this error if you reinstalled windows a few times with a key. the easy fix is contact microsoft support they will reset the flags on the key to let the key you have work again.

Rumrunner 24

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Thanks for the fast reply.
It worked fine when I entered it the first time. I was connected to the internet so I don't know why it want's it again.
 


Did you purchase an OEM version of Windows or a Retail version of Windows? You may have to look at the box to find out which.

Retail versions of Windows should have no activation issues as long as the key isn't in use on more than one PC at once. OEM versions of windows are bound to the motherboard's firmware and can occasionally cause problems if the firmware is updated.
 

Rumrunner 24

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I'm not sure. The dvd says "intended for distribution with a refurbished PC"

 

Rumrunner 24

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I'll try this and get back to you.
Thank you all.

 

USAFRet

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Given a valid key, on a reinstall, sometimes it chokes on activation. It should present you with a phone number to call and activate over the phone.
Do that. Takes about 3 minutes.
 

Rumrunner 24

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It doesn't say that. Just include service pack 1 and the date is 2011.

 

USAFRet

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Well...if online activation fails, you have to go through the MS phone robot. If that fails, you have to call and go through a human.
 

Rumrunner 24

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Funny you said that. When I was searching this came up in the suggestion box
 

USAFRet

Titan
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See this:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950929

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